Top MLB Breakout Star Revealed for Every Team

As Major League Baseball (MLB) gears up for the 2026 season, several teams are spotlighting breakout stars who could significantly impact their rosters. This article analyzes potential breakout players for each MLB team, focusing on young talents expected to improve their performance. The selections are based on a combination of statistical analysis, historical performance, and projected opportunities over the coming season.

Top MLB Breakout Stars for 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Cristian Mena, RHP – Age: 23, Projections: 36.0 IP, 3.92 ERA
• Adrian Del Castillo, C – Potential primary DH.

Athletics

• Denzel Clarke, CF – Age: 25, Projections: 92 G, 85 wRC+
• Jack Perkins, RHP – High-potential arm facing playing time challenges.

Atlanta Braves

• Hurston Waldrep, RHP – Age: 23, Projections: 140.0 IP, 4.29 ERA
• Nacho Alvarez, SS – Likely Opening Day shortstop.

Baltimore Orioles

• Kade Strowd, RHP – Age: 28, Projections: 60.0 IP, 4.26 ERA
• Coby Mayo, 1B – Key offensive contributor.

Boston Red Sox

• Johan Oviedo, RHP – Age: 27, Projections: 115.0 IP, 4.26 ERA
• Romy Gonzalez, 1B – Projected as everyday second baseman.

Chicago Cubs

• Porter Hodge, RHP – Age: 24, Projections: 50.0 IP, 4.02 ERA
• Tyler Austin, 1B – Expected short-side platoon player.

Chicago White Sox

• Miguel Vargas, 3B – Age: 26, Projections: 139 G, 2.0 WAR
• Jordan Leasure, RHP – Potential high-leverage role.

Cincinnati Reds

• Noelvi Marte, OF – Age: 24, Projections: 128 G, 0.5 WAR
• Zach Maxwell, RHP – Future closer with dominant stuff.

Cleveland Guardians

• Joey Cantillo, LHP – Age: 26, Projections: 144.0 IP, 3.80 ERA
• C.J. Kayfus, 1B – DH possibilities with power.

Colorado Rockies

• Troy Johnston, OF – Age: 28, Projections: 63 G, 0.2 WAR
• RJ Petit, RHP – Promising arm in the upcoming season.

Detroit Tigers

• Troy Melton, RHP – Age: 25, Projections: 121.0 IP, 4.19 ERA
• Wenceel Pérez, RF – Solid defensive player with adequate hitting.

Houston Astros

• AJ Blubaugh, RHP – Age: 25, Projections: 53.0 IP, 4.40 ERA
• Cam Smith, RF – Transitioning to a starting role.

Kansas City Royals

• Luinder Avila, RHP – Age: 24, Projections: 42.0 IP, 4.25 ERA
• Isaac Collins, LF – Notable secondary pick.

Los Angeles Angels

• Reid Detmers, LHP – Age: 26, Projections: 145.0 IP, 4.08 ERA
• Nolan Schanuel, 1B – High potential in the lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Ben Casparius, RHP – Age: 26, Projections: 52.0 IP, 4.62 ERA
• Dalton Rushing, C – Expected consistent time on the field.

Miami Marlins

• Griffin Conine, LF – Age: 28, Projections: 92 G, 91 wRC+
• Josh White, RHP – Strong role expected among MI bats.

Milwaukee Brewers

• Garrett Mitchell, CF – Age: 27, Projections: 94 G, 1.5 WAR
• Robert Gasser, LHP – High potential from the bullpen.

Minnesota Twins

• Zebby Matthews, RHP – Age: 25, Projections: 124.0 IP, 3.96 ERA
• Austin Martin, CF – Expected to make significant contributions.

New York Mets

• Christian Scott, RHP – Age: 26, Projections: 38.0 IP, 4.06 ERA
• Jared Young, LF – Notable potential due to team needs.

New York Yankees

• Ryan Weathers, LHP – Age: 26, Projections: 122.0 IP, 4.16 ERA
• Jasson Domínguez, LF – Facing pressure to perform.

Philadelphia Phillies

• Zach McCambley, RHP – Age: 26, Projection: High-impact bullpen arm.
• Justin Crawford, CF – Expected to play a pivotal role.

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Braxton Ashcraft, RHP – Age: 26, Projections: 149.0 IP, 3.84 ERA
• Endy Rodríguez, 1B – Limited but significant potential.

San Diego Padres

• Bradgley Rodriguez, RHP – Age: 22, Projections: 50.0 IP, 4.14 ERA
• Luis Campusano, C – Backup catcher expected to step up.

San Francisco Giants

• Casey Schmitt, 3B – Age: 26, Projections: 49 G, 0.6 WAR expected.
• Joel Peguero, RHP – Strong option in relief.

Seattle Mariners

• Dominic Canzone, RF – Age: 28, Projections: 99 G, 0.9 WAR
• Jose A. Ferrer, LHP – Expected to continue growth.

St. Louis Cardinals

• Richard Fitts, RHP – Age: 26, Projections: 104.0 IP, 4.38 ERA
• Jordan Walker, RF – High-impact player expected to shine.

Tampa Bay Rays

• Jacob Melton, LF – Age: 25, Projections: 36 G, 0.3 WAR
• Joe Boyle, RHP – Likely to secure a roster spot.

Texas Rangers

• Evan Carter, CF – Age: 23, Projections: 107 G, 1.9 WAR
• Carter Baumler, RHP – High potential as a Rule 5 pick.

Toronto Blue Jays

• Cody Ponce, RHP – Age: 31, Projections: 151.0 IP, 4.07 ERA
• Kazuma Okamoto, 3B – Highly regarded hitter moving to MLB.

Washington Nationals

• Daylen Lile, RF – Age: 23, Projections: 128 G, 1.4 WAR
• Cade Cavalli, RHP – Projected rotation member.

These players represent a mix of pitchers and position players, all primed to showcase their talents in the upcoming season. Monitoring their progress and impact will be essential for MLB fans and teams alike as the league enters a new chapter.